# Apple 30-inch Cinema Display

5 Hacker News commenters recommended Apple 30-inch Cinema Display and 2 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 4 of 13 months; owners who said how long report a median of 23 years (4 owners).

**Verdict:** People recommend it for its long lifespan, with some units still working after two decades and a well-regarded design. Its backlight wears over time, causing uneven colors, and it is dim by modern standards.

## Why people recommend it

- Long-lasting, still working after decades (2 comments): "we've got a few that still work to this day" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46102235)) "early 2000s Cinema Displays are so great" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47238502))

## What people warn about

- Dim and low contrast (2 comments): "it was never particularly bright and had low contrast" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47236261)) "striking how dim it is compared to modern monitors" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47237767))

## Alternatives hackers recommend

- [Apple Studio Display](https://hackerapproved.com/p/apple-studio-display.md): 65 recommend
- [Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor](https://hackerapproved.com/p/dell-ultrasharp-52-thunderbolt-hub-monitor.md): 27 recommend
- [LG UltraFine Evo 6K monitor](https://hackerapproved.com/p/lg-ultrafine-evo-6k-32-inch-monitor.md): 17 recommend
- [Apple Pro Display XDR](https://hackerapproved.com/p/apple-pro-display-xdr.md): 16 recommend
- [LG UltraFine 5K](https://hackerapproved.com/p/lg-ultrafine-5k-monitor.md): 16 recommend

## Where to get it

- [See price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Apple+30-inch+Cinema+Display&tag=hackerapprove-20) (affiliate link)

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Apple 30-inch Cinema Display", https://hackerapproved.com/p/apple-30-inch-cinema-display/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).